The tragedy of George Floyd’s murder last year has continued to be recognized as the trial of the police officer, Derek Chauvin continues. This week a witness who is an MMA fighter and dialed 911 during the officer holding Floyd down with his knee on his neck, came to the stand in court to testify against Chauvin. The witness explains when asked why he decided to call 911 while watching the horrific arrest, that he felt like he had to because he was witnessing a murder.

Diversity continues on to be a major issue all over the world but more specifically in America. As a continuous national problem with little to no change, the issue of police brutality against African Americans is significant research to my team’s campaign to promote diversity and inclusion in Centre County specifically.

When referring to a court case, testimonies are key to the court’s legal practice, but also can be a significant tactic in our campaign as well. Personal experiences are a tactic that has been strongly discussed to be included as pathos can become a strong persuasive strategy to explain to others why we are all and should all be viewed as equal. To think some may believe others are more superior to others is the main reason why our campaign is being created and needs to be as successful as possible.

We have found that Centre County has a severe diversity issue as many of the residents believe they may be superior to their peers due to different beliefs, race, or even referring to love and gender differences. Testimonials will be very strong during our conversation with the community as members can hear firsthand how their peers are being treated due to their behaviors.

Courage is something that tends to go unnoticed as these conversations and testimonials will not be easy but the praise for each individual’s courage will be strongly admired during our campaign. Ensuring each individual participating is comfortable as well as understands their stories and words are appreciated is another key tactic to make sure there is success in our conversation as well as a large participating group.

Another tactic with reference to this example would be to include this testimony from the court in our PSA prior to our conversation so the community can understand a witness’s perspective on the incident and stress how diversity and inclusion are needed not only in our community but nationally as well.